Patents Examined by Thomas M. Dougherty
  • Piezoelectric vibration member, method of manufacturing the same, and piezoelectric vibrator
    Patent number: 10516382
    Abstract: There is provided a piezoelectric vibration member including: a vibration substrate including a vibrating portion and a surrounding portion which is thinner than the vibrating portion; and vibrating electrodes disposed on one surface and the other surface of the vibrating portion in a thickness direction, wherein the vibrating portion includes protrusion portions protruding in relation to one surface and the other surface of the surrounding portion in the thickness direction, and at least one side surface of the protrusion portion has two or more crystal planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Pil Lee, Seung Mo Lim
  • Power generator
    Patent number: 10516350
    Abstract: Provided is a power generator 1. The power generator includes two magnetostrictive rods 2 arranged side by side and formed on a magnetostrictive material, coils 3 respectively wound around the magnetostrictive rods 2 and a beam member 73 having a function of generating stress in the two magnetostrictive rods 2. The power generator 1 is configured so that elastic energy stored in the beam member 73 is larger than elastic energy stored in each of the magnetostrictive rods 2 when tip end portions of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and the beam member 73 are displaced with respect to base end portions of the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and the beam member 73 to deform the two magnetostrictive rods 2 and the beam member 73.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Furukawa, Takayuki Numakunai
  • Ultrasonic motor, drive control system, optical apparatus, and vibrator
    Patent number: 10516091
    Abstract: An ultrasonic motor, usable in a drive control system and the like, includes an annular vibrator and an annular moving member arranged so as to be brought into pressure-contact with the vibrator. The vibrator includes an annular vibrating plate and an annular piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element includes an annular piezoelectric ceramic piece, a common electrode arranged on one surface of the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and a plurality of electrodes arranged on the other surface of the piezoelectric ceramic piece. The piezoelectric ceramic piece contains lead in a content of less than 1,000 ppm. The plurality of electrodes include two drive phase electrodes, one or more non-drive phase electrodes, and one or more detection phase electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Furuta, Akira Uebayashi, Hidenori Tanaka, Shinya Koyama, Makoto Kubota, Jumpei Hayashi
  • Ceramic material, method for producing the ceramic material, and electroceramic component comprising the ceramic material
    Patent number: 10505101
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic material, comprising lead zirconate titanate, which additionally contains K and optionally Cu. The ceramic material can be used in an electroceramic component, for example a piezoelectric actuator. The invention also relates to methods for producing the ceramic material and the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TDK ELECTRONICS AG
    Inventors: Alexander Glazunov, Adalbert Feltz
  • Electrical contact arrangement for microfabricated ultrasonic transducer
    Patent number: 10497856
    Abstract: An ultrasound-on-a-chip device has an ultrasonic transducer substrate with plurality of transducer cells, and an electrical substrate. For each transducer cell, one or more conductive bond connections are disposed between the ultrasonic transducer substrate and the electrical substrate. Examples of electrical substrates include CMOS chips, integrated circuits including analog circuits, interposers and printed circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Butterfly Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Susan A. Alie, Jaime Scott Zahorian, Paul Francis Cristman, Keith G. Fife
  • Electric device, piezoelectric motor, robot, hand, and liquid transport pump
    Patent number: 10498260
    Abstract: An electric device includes an electric component that includes an electrode terminal which includes a projection portion, and a circuit substrate that includes a connected portion which is electrically connected to the projection portion, in which the connected portion includes a recess portion that is in contact with the projection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Tsuyuki, Noboru Furuya
  • Crystal resonator
    Patent number: 10498311
    Abstract: A crystal resonator includes a flat plate-shaped crystal element and excitation electrodes. The crystal element has principal surfaces parallel to an X?-axis and a Z?-axis. The X?-axis is an axis of rotating an X-axis in a range of 15 to 25 degrees around a Z-axis. The Z?-axis is an axis of rotating the Z-axis in a range of 33 to 35 degrees around the X?-axis. The excitation electrodes are formed on the respective principal. The excitation electrodes include a first region with a circular outer shape and a second region. The second region is formed at a peripheral area of the first region. The second region has a thickness thinner than the first region and has an elliptical outer shape. The elliptical shape has a long axis extending in a direction in a range of ?5 to +15 degrees with respect to a direction that the X?-axis extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Obara, Tetsuya Sato, Masaaki Nakahara, Tomonori Shibazaki, Yuki Oi, Yuya Nishimura
  • Piezoelectric actuator, stacked actuator, piezoelectric motor, robot, hand, and liquid transport pump
    Patent number: 10497854
    Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes two substrates, piezoelectric elements that are arranged between the two substrates, and a cladding portion that covers at least a part of a surrounding area of the piezoelectric elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Arakawa
  • Activity powered band device
    Patent number: 10492594
    Abstract: A method provides a band, including: placing an energy harvesting mechanism within a deformable band; the energy harvesting mechanism being placed to transform deformation of the deformable band into stored energy; and providing a connection element to the energy harvesting mechanism; said connection element offering a coupling of the stored energy of the deformable band to a device. In an embodiment, a force is applied to deform a deformable band along a length dimension of the deformable band. The force acts to move an energy harvesting mechanism of the deformable band such that the energy harvesting mechanism transforms deformation of the deformable band into stored energy. The stored energy may be used, e.g., to collect information using a sensor of said deformable band. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Charles Davis, Jennifer Greenwood Zawacki, Debra Kay Kobs-Fortner, Douglas Warren Robinson
  • Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer and process
    Patent number: 10478858
    Abstract: A piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) includes a multilayer stack disposed on a substrate. The multilayer stack may include an anchor structure disposed over the substrate, a piezoelectric layer stack disposed over the anchor structure, and a mechanical layer disposed proximate to the piezoelectric layer stack. The piezoelectric layer stack may be disposed over a cavity. The mechanical layer may seal the cavity and, together with the piezoelectric layer stack, is supported by the anchor structure and forms a membrane over the cavity, the membrane being configured to undergo one or both of flexural motion and vibration when the PMUT receives or transmits ultrasonic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jon Bradley Lasiter, Ravindra Vaman Shenoy, Evgeni Petrovich Gousev, Hrishikesh Panchawagh, David William Burns, Nai-Kuei Kuo, Jonathan Charles Griffiths, Suryaprakash Ganti
  • Piezoelectric transducers using micro-dome arrays
    Patent number: 10478857
    Abstract: An ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer device includes a transducer array consisting of an array of vibrating elements, and a base to which the array of vibrating elements in the transducer array are attached. The base include integrated electrical interconnects for carrying driving signals and sensed signals between the vibrating elements and an external control circuit. The base can be an ASIC wafer that includes integrated circuitry for controlling the driving and processing the sensed signals. The interconnects and control circuits in the base fit substantially within an area below the array of multiple vibrating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Bibl, Hung-fai Stephen Law, Kevin von Essen, Mats G. Ottosson
  • Closure device
    Patent number: 10472144
    Abstract: A closure device may be formed with a reservoir closure housing, defining a reservoir. An electrically-actuated valve may be arranged to open a passage from a reservoir of the closure housing. An actuation circuit may be connected to the electrically-actuated valve. The actuation circuit may include a battery or a power source. The actuation circuit may include a switch connected in series with the power source. The switch may be a manually-actuated switch. The manually-actuated switch may be a twist-actuated switch. The closure device may have a photovoltaic element as a power source. A removable cover may shield the photovoltaic element from light. The closure device may have an electrically-actuated valve that is a piezoelectric electric valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Newlight Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Issam Adib Khoury
  • Piezoelectric resonator unit and manufacturing method for the same
    Patent number: 10476475
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric resonator unit by forming a via conductor in a through hole of a ceramic substrate, forming a connection electrode foundation layer connected to the via conductor, and forming a sealing frame foundation layer in a substantially frame shape. The ceramic substrate is then fired together with the via conductor, the connection electrode foundation layer, and the sealing frame foundation layer. The surface of the connection electrode foundation layer and the surface of the sealing frame foundation layer are flattened by pressing the ceramic substrate from a first main surface side and a second main surface side thereof. A plating treatment is carried out to form a connecting electrode and a sealing frame. A piezoelectric resonator is electrically connected to the connection electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Kawai, Hiroshi Ibaragi
  • Ultrasound transducer and method for making the same
    Patent number: 10471471
    Abstract: The present application provides a multilayer lateral mode coupling method for phased array construction and transducer devices built accordingly. This disclosure describes and demonstrates that the electrical impedance of a phased array can be substantially reduced and readily controlled to be close to the source impedance. The fabrication process is relatively simple and inexpensive. In addition, the elements are robust for use in 1.5, 2, 3 or other dimensional configurations, over an extended period of operation, without structural failure, and providing a high power output required for imaging and/or medical therapy applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SUNNYBROOK RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kullervo Hynynen, Junho Song
  • Power generating element
    Patent number: 10468997
    Abstract: A tabular structure having flexibility extends from a root end portion to a distal end portion along a reference axis. The root end portion is fixed to a pedestal. Three sectioned parts are provided in the tabular structure. Weights are joined to the lower surfaces of the respective three sectioned parts. The three sectioned parts respectively have different thicknesses. As a result, spring constants are different. When vibration energy from the outside is applied to the pedestal, the weights vibrate and a bend occurs in the tabular structure. If a charge generating element such as a piezoelectric element is stuck to the tabular structure, an electric charge is generated by bending stress. A frequency band capable of generating electric power is expanded by providing a plurality of weights in the tabular structure in which the spring constants are different in each of the sectioned parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: TRI-FORCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Okada, Miho Okada
  • Energy harvesting for leadless pacemakers
    Patent number: 10463864
    Abstract: An energy harvester having a plurality of bimorph beams and a plurality of piezoelectric devices, wherein at least two of the piezoelectric devices are mounted to each of the plurality of bimorph beams. A plurality of rigid beams interconnect adjacent ends of the bimorph beams to define a stacked, fan-folded shape having a first end of one of the bimorph beams mounted to a structure. A tip mass is disposed on a free end of another of the plurality of bimorph beams. Upon movement of the energy harvester, the plurality of bimorph beams is caused to deflect and thereby output electrical power from the plurality of piezoelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, The Research Foundation for the State University of New York
    Inventors: Mohammad Amin Karami, David J. Bradley, Daniel J. Inman, Mohammad Hossein Ansari
  • Elastic wave device and manufacturing method for the same
    Patent number: 10469053
    Abstract: In an elastic wave device, a piezoelectric substrate is laminated on a support substrate including a recess. On one of a first principal surface and a second principal surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a functional electrode including an IDT electrode is provided. Passing-through sections are provided in the piezoelectric substrate and connected to a hollow section enclosed by the recess and the piezoelectric substrate. In a plan view of the piezoelectric substrate seen from the first principal surface, at least a portion of the passing-through sections is inside a minimum rectangular or substantially rectangular region encompassing an outer circumference of a region including the functional electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Omura, Tetsuya Kimura, Yutaka Kishimoto
  • Surface acoustic wave device and duplexer having transmission/reception filter using same
    Patent number: 10468584
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate and an IDT electrode on the piezoelectric substrate. The IDT electrode includes a main electrode layer and a barrier layer between the piezoelectric substrate and the main electrode layer. The main electrode layer is inside a region in which the barrier layer is provided in plan view to suppress diffusion between the piezoelectric substrate and the main electrode layer when a voltage is applied to the IDT electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasumasa Taniguchi
  • Systems for protecting and monitoring power electronic devices
    Patent number: 10461668
    Abstract: A system for protecting a power electronic device is provided. The system includes a power electronic device and a controller. The power electronic device includes a piezoelectric substrate, a metal substrate coupled to the piezoelectric substrate, a semiconductor device, and a bonding layer positioned between the metal substrate and the semiconductor device such that the metal substrate is bonded to the semiconductor device. The controller includes a power supply, one or more processors, and one or more memory modules storing computer readable and executable instructions. The computer readable and executable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: receive a temperature of the power electronic device, and provide a voltage determined based on the temperature of the power electronic device across the piezoelectric substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Shailesh N. Joshi
  • Piezoelectric sensors and methods for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 10461240
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a piezoelectric sensor and a method for manufacturing the same to realize omni-directional pressure sensing. The piezoelectric sensor according to the present disclosure comprises a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a piezoelectric thin film layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the piezoelectric sensor further comprising: a first functional module and a second functional module, both of which are connected to the second electrode layer, wherein the first functional module is configured to sense a pressure applied to the piezoelectric sensor in a first direction, and the second functional module is configured to sense a pressure applied to the piezoelectric sensor in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xueyan Tian